2.) Am I better off learning, say four or five punches and developing them to a high degree, or should I learn as many strikes as I possibly can?

Boxers don't have that many and they are the punching specialists. When injuring your hands is a concern then using your palm when aiming for the face (using the same body mechanics you learned for your punches) is an option.

3.) Can anyone reccomend any great books on the subject so I don't have to come back here and make a fucking retard out of myself?

Go to a gym which teaches striking for full contact competitive use and has had some measure of success with their fighters.

1.) Assuming I want to use my bare knuckles on t3h str33t, how important is hand conditioning?

It depends who you ask, but in my experience heavy bag training with bag gloves and/or wraps is the best way to develop effective punches/strikes with proper technique. The better technique you have, the less likely your going to **** up your hand. Wrist strength is also important, and will be improved using this method. For knuckle conditioning - I really don't know but I assume that you can do knuckle pushups on rusty nails and broken glass is one way to go, I guess [/sarcasm]. Seriously, though - hitting the bag, ect., without properly wrapping your hands is a wonderful way to get early-onset arthritis.

2.) Am I better off learning, say four or five punches and developing them to a high degree, or should I learn as many strikes as I possibly can?

No question, learn a handful of strikes and train with them often. You want rapid, effective punches/strikes (and combos) that you'll actually be able to use, if ever you should fight outside of training. For example, hone your jab, cross, front hook, rear elbow - and then put them together in an effective combo. I'm sure there are other, better combos, but that one has served me well.

3.) Can anyone reccomend any great books on the subject so I don't have to come back here and make a fucking retard out of myself?

Honestly, the best way to learn/train these punches isn't from a book, but by going to a gym/dojo and learning them from a qualified instructor. I'd suggest Muay Thai, as you'll get proper elbow instructions. However, there are some basic kickboxing and boxing books at your local bookstore (or on the web) - but books (or the interwebs) can't really do much to correct improper technique.

Conditioning knuckles comes with practice (bagwork). You only need to learn a few types of punches: jab, straight, hook, uppercut (think boxing). Always hit with your first two big knuckles and try to keep your wrist in line with your forearm. Generally, use horizontal fist for head shots and vertical fists for body shots (hooks are the exception). Hip rotation is also a good thing when striking with power.

hone your jab, cross, front hook, rear elbow - and then put them together in an effective combo. I'm sure there are other, better combos, but that one has served me well.

I don't recommend using the rear elbow on the streets unless your life is in serious danger. There's a high chance of killing someone if you land it right (someone found out from experience). As told by thai trainers.

The front elbow should suffice.

For chargers, just lift your elbow when they charge in and catch them under the chin. Very useful for street fights, as I'm told again by thai trainers.